The Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), organised the India-USA Virtual Exhibition on Gems & Jewellery on 23 October 2026. The digital platform connected Indian exporters directly with American buyers.
Who Spoke at the Inauguration
The inaugural ceremony featured:
Welcome remarks by Ambassador HE Binaya S. Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York
An inaugural address by Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC
Closing remarks by Rajlakshmi Kadam, Consul (Trade), Consulate General of India, New York
The exhibition brought together 35 Indian companies, many of them micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), giving US buyers a chance to explore Indian jewellery collections and establish direct business connections. It was designed to help exporters reach new customers and develop partnerships in one of India’s most important markets.
The US Market: Disruption and Recovery
Addressing participants, Kirit Bhansali highlighted the importance of the US market:
The US accounted for around 30% of India’s gem and jewellery exports, worth nearly US$10 billion, in FY2024-25
Tariff uncertainty affected trade significantly, with India’s gem and jewellery exports to the US falling by more than 44% between April and December 2025
Trade has since begun to recover: between April and September 2026, exports to the US grew nearly 6% year-on-year to almost US$3 billion, compared with US$2.77 billion in the same period of 2025
Trade Agreement Hopes and Message to Buyers
Bhansali referred to progress on the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement, expressing hope that it will bring greater clarity and predictability for exporters and buyers once its terms are finalised
With the US holiday season approaching, followed by Valentine’s Day and retailers’ sourcing plans for 2027, he urged American buyers to explore India’s manufacturing capabilities across diamonds, coloured gemstones and gold jewellery
He also encouraged buyers to engage directly with participating MSMEs, highlighting their skills, flexibility and ability to meet varied sourcing requirements